From Mr. Solomon Adams, Boston. TO THE PUBLISHER. Boston, Jan. 29th, 1846. DEAR SIR:- Having been favored with an opportunity of examining, in manuscript, a Treatise of Mental Arithmetic by F. A. Adams, A. M., I am most happy to find that our Schools are about to have a work of the kind, carried with much skill and judgment into the higher departments of Arithmetic. The author has not the temerity to attempt a work, which shall supersede "Colburn's First Lessons," but he has prepared one well suited to be used after Colburn's has been mastered-not before. He has philosophically developed certain principles inherent in the very nature of numbers, and applied them to the solution of questions, involving, in some instances, conditions so numerous, and numbers so large, as to have been hitherto seldom attempted in Schools. If I do not greatly mistake, Mr. A. has made a decided advance in Mental Arithmetic. Very respectfully yours, SOLOMON ADAMS, Principal of the Young Ladies' School, Central Place. From Roger S. Howard, Esq., Newburyport. MR. FA. ADAMS. NEWBURYPORT, MAY 5th, 1845. DEAR SIR:- - I have looked over, with much care and pleasure, the manuscript Arithmetic, which you put into my hands a few days since. The plan of the work appears to me quite original, and many of the methods you have adopted exceedingly ingenious, and, at the same time, beautifully simple. Your rules and explanations are clear and concise, and the numerous examples for practice which you have inserted, are judiciously selected and well arranged. The book, I think, is one which will greatly facilitate the teaching of this important branch of education. I am, sir, very respectfully yours, ROGER S. HOWARD, Principal of the Putnam High School. From Mr. Rufus Putnam, Salem. MR. F. A. ADAMS. SALEM, JUNE 9th, 1815. DEAR SIR:-I have read with much satisfaction, the manuscript copy of the Mental Arithmetic you are intending to publish. The plan of the work is, in many respects, different from its predecessors, and, strange as it may seem to those who examine many of the new books in the various departments of education, and who have not read yours, it occupies much ground which has not been occupied by others. I think that, in its arrangement, its definitions, its explanations, the examples for practice, indeed, in its whole matter, it is happily adapted to its object; to release our youth from a part of their present bondage to slate and pencil, and artificial rules, by qualifying them to perform correctly and easily, in the mind, many of the operations which are almost universally performed on the slate. It is the first successful attempt to advance upon Colburn's First Lessons which I have seen; and, although all Teachers who know Colburn's Mental Arithmetic will assuredly continue to use it, those who shall become acquainted with yours, will not feel that their pupils are well educated in Mental Arithmetic, till they are familiar with that also. I commend it, with much confidence, to the notice of all who are entrusted with the education of youth. Yours, very truly and respectfully, R. PUTNAM, Principal of the Bowditch (English High) School. From Mr. Charles Northend, Salem. MR. F. A. ADAMS. SALEM, 3d JULY, 1846. DEAR SIR:- Having examined, with some care, your manuscript entitled "Advanced Lessons in Mental Arithmetic," I feel no hesitation in saying that I consider the work very happy in design, and admirable in execution. As an extension of that excellent and unrivalled book - "Colburn's First Lessons," I think it will find much favor, and become a valuable auxiliary in the work of education. No book, in my opinion, has a stronger claim upon the friends of Schools than that alluded to, and I trust your work may become co-extensive with that, in reputation and usefulness. Wishing you much success, I remain very truly yours, &c. CHARLES NORTHEND, Principal of Epes Grammar School. From Mr. Edwin Jocelyn, Salem. MR. F. A. ADAMS. SALEM, JULY 2d, 1845. DEAR SIR: No one can hold "Colburn's First Lessons in Arithmetic," in higher estimation than I do; and I think, whoever undertakes to furnish a substitute for that little book, which shall better answer the purpose, will fail in his purpose. I am glad to see from your hand an extension of Mental Arithmetic on the plan of that inestimable school book. I have often felt the want of such a work, and have in practice extended this course of teaching, somewhat; and should have done it oftener and farther if I had had such a book at hand as you now propose to publish. The plan appears to me to be very happily carried out; and I feel confident that it will meet with a wide appreciation and use. Yours, with much esteem, EDWIN JOCELYN, Principal of the Female High School. |